Karnataka High Court
Sri Ashokan K vs State Of Karnataka on 18 November, 2013
Author: H.G.Ramesh
Bench: H.G.Ramesh
-1-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BANGALORE
DATED THIS THE 18TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2013
BEFORE
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.G.RAMESH
WRIT PETITION NOS.50161 & 50210-50242/2013 (LB-ELE)
C/W
R
WRIT PETITION NOS.50753-50778/2013 (LB-RES)
50939-50965/2013 (LB-RES) &
51324-51357/2013 (LB-ELE)
IN W.P.50161 & 50210-50242/2013
BETWEEN:
1. SRI ASHOKAN.K
S/O S KANNAN
AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS
R/AT NO.174, BHARATHI NAGAR
HUNUSAMARANAHALLI POST
BANGALORE NORTH- 562 157
2. SRI MAREGOWDA
S/O LATE MUNIYAPPA
AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS
R/AT NO.48, KOKALU POST
HESARAGHATTA HOBLI
BANGALROE NORTH TALUK
BANGALORE - 560 089
3. SMT. VANISHREE VISHWANATH
W/O S.R.VISHWANATH
AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS
R/AT SINGANAYAKANAHALLI
SINGANAYAKANAHALLI (POST)
YELAHANKA HOBLI
BANGALORE - 560 064
4. SMT BHARATHI
W/O VENKATESH
AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS
-2-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
R/AT LINGANAHALLI
HESARAGHATTA HOBLI
SHIVAKOTE POST
BANGALORE NORTH TALUK
BANGALORE - 560 089
5. SRI S.PRABHAKAR
S/O G.R.SIDDAPPA
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
R/AT GONIGHATTAPURA
NERIGA POST
SARJAPURA HOBLI
ANEKAL TALUK
BANGALORE URBAN - 562 125
6. SRI BABU V
S/O VENKATAPPA
AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS
R/AT CHANNAKESHAVANAGAR (HOSA ROAD)
NEW MICO ROAD
ELECTRONIC CITY (POST)
BANGALORE - 560 100
7. SRI C.MARIYAPPA
S/O LATE CHIKKAMUNIYAPPA
AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS
R/AT NO.96, RAMESHWARA NILAYA
AVALAHALLI, BIDARAHALLI HOBLI
VIRGONAGAR POST
BANGALORE EAST TALUK
BANGALORE - 560 029
8. SMT. JHINNU BHAI
W/O NAGARAJU
AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS
R/AT NO.1, MANGANAHALLI
SOOLIKERE POST
BANGALORE NORTH TALUK
BANGALORE -560 060
9. SRI CHIKKAMUNIYAPPA
S/O LATE MUNICHIKKAPPA
AGED ABOUT 57 YEARS
R/AT KITHIGANUR LAYOUT
NEAR GASPOL CHURCH
K.R.PURAM POST, BANGALORE - 560 036
-3-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
10. SRI NARAYANAPPA. J
S/O LATE JOGAPPA
AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS
MUTHUR (Vi), THAMMANAKANAHALLI POST
ANEKAL TALUK - 562 106
BANGALORE DISTRICT
11. SMT. INDRAMMA NAGARAJ
W/O NAGARAJ, V.MANCHANAHALLI
KALLABALU (POST), JIGANI (HOBALI)
ANEKAL (TQ)
BANGALROE URBAN DISTRICT - 560 105
12. SMT. GIRIJA PRASHANTH
W/O PRASHANTH, AGED ABOUT 29 YEARS
JIGANI BUS STOP, ANEKAL TALUK
BANGALORE - 560 105
13. SRI M.RATHNAMMA S R RAMULU
W/O Y SRIRAMULU
AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS
NO.891, M.G.ROAD
SARJAPURA, ANEKAL TALUK
BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT
PIN CODE - 562 125
14. SRI DANE GOWDA
S/O LATE HEMMANNA
AGED ABOUT 56 YEARS
R/AT SATHNUR VILLAGE
BAGALUR POST
BANGALROE NORTH - 562 149
15. SMT SHUBA NARASIMHA MURTHY
W/O B.N.NARASIMHA MURTHY
AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS
R/AT NO.6, BYNAHALLI JALA (HOBLI)
CHIKKAJALA (POST)
BANGALORE (NORTH TALUK)
BANGALORE - 562 157
16. SRI K.C.RAMACHANDRA
S/O CHIKKAMUNIYAPPA
AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS
R/AT KYALASANAHALLI
-4-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
HULIMANGALA (POST)
ANEKAL (TALUK)
BANGALORE URBAN (DISTRICT)
17. SRI K GOPAL KRISHNA
S/O A KEMPANNA
AGED ABOUT 57 YEARS
R/AT YEDDALAPPA STREET
ATTIBELE, ANEKAL TALUK
BANGALROE URBAN (DISTRICT)
18. SRI B CHANDRAPPA
S/O LATE KEMPAIAH
AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS
R/AT BYLAPANAPALYA
MADAVARA POST
DASANAPURA HOBLI
BANGALORE NORTH - 562 123
19. SRI V.G.JAYARAMAIAH
S/O LATE GANGAPPA
AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS
R/AT NO.1, VADERAHALLY
MATHAHALLY (POST)
DASANAPURA (HOBLI)
BANGALORE NORTH - 562 123
20. SMT. ARUNA M NARAYANASWAMY
W/O NARAYANASWAMY N
AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS
R/AT NO.112, BALLUR VILALGE
ATTIBELE POST, ATTIBELE HOBLI
ANEKAL TALUK
BANGALROE URBAN DISTRICT
21. SRI D. HANUMANTHAIAH
S/O LATE C.K.DODDAIAH
AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS
CHOLANAYAKANAHALLY
CHAMARAJANAGARA POST
BANGALORE SOUTH TALUK - 562 120
BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT
22. SRI A SHIVAKUMAR
S/O ANJANAPPA
AGD ABOUT 47 YEARS
-5-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
R/AT KAGGALIPURA
KANAKAPURA ROAD
BANGALORE - 560 082
23. SMT. SARVAMANGALA
W/O B.KRISHNAPPA
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
R/AT KUMBALAGOD
BELLIGHATTA, KUMBALAGOD POST
KENGERI HOBLI
BANGALORE SOUTH TALUK
BANGALORE - 560 060
24. SMT. JALAJAKSHAMMA
W/O SIDDAGANGAIAH
AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS
R/AT LAKSHMIPURA VILLAGE AND POST
DASANAPURA HOBLI
BANGALROE NORTH TALUK
BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT
BANGALORE - 562 123
25. SRI T.G.ANNPURNA KRISHNAMURTHY
W/O R.KRISHNAMURTHY
AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS
R/AT THAVAREKERE
BANGALORE SOUTH TALUK
BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT
BANGALORE - 562 130
26. SMT SHANTHAMMA
W/O YELLAREDDY S
AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS
R/AT YADAVANAHALLI
ATTIBELE HOBLI
ANEKAL TALUK
BANGALORE - 562 107
27. SMT. G MANJULA
W/O N SHANKAR
AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS
R/AT DODDAHAGAPPE VILLAGE
CD HOSAKOTE POST
ANEKAL TALUK - 562 106
BANGALROE URBAN DISTRICT
-6-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
28. SMT. SHYLAJA
W/O SURESH REDDY
AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS
R/AT NO.41, LAKSHMISAGAR
NERALOORU POST, ANEKAL TALUK
BANGALROE - 562 107
29. SMT. N. ROOPA
W/O PRABHAKAR
AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS
GOLLAHALLI, ELECTRONIC CITY POST
ANEKAL TALUK - 560 100
BANGALROE URBANDISTRICT
30. SMT. VINITHA
W/O K. VENKATASWAMY
AGED ABOUT 31 YEARS
R/AT RAYASANDRA VILLAGE
HUSKUR POST
ANEKAL TALUK - 562 123
BANGALROE URBAN DISTRICT
31. SRI JAYARAMA
S/O NARAYANASINGH
AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS
R/AT VENKATESHWARA DENTAL COLLEGE
NEAR NESARA NILAYA
BANNERGHATTA POST
ANEKAL TALUK
BANGALROE SOUTH
BANGALORE - 560 082
32. SMT. MANJULA G ASHWATH NAYAK
W/O G. ASHWATH NAYAK
AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS
R/A SALUDODDI VILLAGE
TATAGUNI POST
KANAKAPURA ROAD
KENGERI HOBLI
BANGALORE - 560 062
33. SMT. SHOBHA DEVI
W/O G RAMESH
AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS
R/A DODDA GUBBI VILLAGE AND POST
BIDARAHALLI HOBLI
-7-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
BANGALORE EAST
BANGALROE - 560 067
34. SMT JAYAMMA
W/O CHIKKABYLAPPA
AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS
R/A LAKSHMIPURA VILLAGE
VIDYARANYAPURA POST
YESHWANTHAPURA HOBLI
BANGALORE NORTH TALUK
BANGALORE - 560 091 ... PETITIONERS
(BY SRI D.N.NANJUNDA REDDY, SR. ADVOCATE FOR
SRI A.V.NISHANTH, ADVOCATE)
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND
PANCHAYAT RAJ
M.S.BUILDINGS, BANGALORE - 560 001
REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
2. STATE ELECTION COMMISSION
KSCMF BUILDING, ANNEX
#8, CUNNINGHAM ROAD
BANGALORE - 560 008
REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY
3. THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER
BANGALORE REGION
2ND FLOOR, BMTC COMPLEX
K.H.ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR
BANGALORE - 560 027
4. BANGALORE URBAN ZILLA PANCHAYAT
S. KARIYAPPA ROAD
BANASHANKARI
BANGALORE - 560 070
REPRESENTED BY ITS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ... RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI RAVIVERMA KUMAR, ADVOCATE GENERAL
A/W SRI D. NAGARAJ, AGA FOR R1 & R3;
SRI K.N.PHANINDRA, ADVOCATE FOR R2)
-8-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
WPs ARE FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 & 227 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DECLARE THAT THE SUB
RULE 2 OF RULE 4 OF THE KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ
(DECLARATION OF ASSETS BY ELECTED MEMBERS OF TQ., &
ZILLA PANCHAYATS) RULES, 2010 AS ILLEGAL AND CONTRARY
TO SEC. 175-A OF THE KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ ACT,
1993, SINCE THE SUB-RULE TRAVELS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF
SUBSTANTIVE PROVISION AND ETC.,
IN W.P. NOs. 50753-50778/2013
BETWEEN:
1. SRI H.T.NAGAREDDY
S/O H. THIMMAPPA
AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
RAMPURA CONSTITUENCY
JAHAGIR BUDDENAHALLI VILLAGE & POST
MOLAKALMUR TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
2. SMT. NARASAMMA
W/O N.B.GOVINDAPPA
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
HONAGAL CONSTITUENCY
NAGASANDRA POST, MOLAKALMUR TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
3. SRI R.HANUMANTHAPP
S/O RAMAIAH
AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
BHOKIKERE POST
SIDDARAMANAGARA, HOSADURGA TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT - 577 501
4. SRI C MAHALINGAPPA
S/O CHITTAPPA YANE BHADRAPPA
AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
HOSAYALANADU CONSTITUENCY
GUDDADHAGOLLARA HATTI
KODIHALLI POST, HIRIYUR TALUK
-9-
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
5. SRI D RAMESH
S/O R DASAPPA
AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
DODDASIDDAVANAHALLI CONSTITUENCY
V.PALYA POST, HIREGUNTANOOR HOBLI
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT - 577 501
6. SMT. K KAVITH MAHESH
W/O V.MAHESH
AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
NANNIVALA CONSTITUENCY
PAGADALABANDE, PARASARAMPUR HOBLI
CHELLAKERE TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
7. SMT C.LAKSHMI MOUNESH
W/O K.C.MOUNESH
AGED ABOUT 29 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMGR
BARAMASAGARA CONSTITUENCY
MASJID ROAD
BARAMASAGARA POST
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
8. SMT. LALITHAMMA BASAVANTHAPPA
W/O BASAVANTHAPPA
AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
SIRIGERE CONSTITUENCY
SIRIGERE POST
CHITRADURAGA TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT - 577 501
9. SMT SANNA THIMMAKKA
W/O RANGASWAMY
AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
PARASHURAMPURA CONSTITUENCY
PARASHURAMPURA HOBLI
- 10 -
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
CHELLAKERE TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
10. SRI J.T. BABUREDDY
S/O J.B.THIPPAREDDY
AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
THIRUVANOOR CONSTITUENCY
KADABENA KATTE, THIRUVANOOR HOBLI
CHITRADURGA TALUK & DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
11. SRI K. DHYAMANNA
S/O KENCHAPPA
AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS
ZILLA PANHAYATH MEMBER
IMANGALA CONSTITUENCY
KOVERAHATTI, BHRUJANAROPA POST
HIRIUR TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT - 577 501
12. SRI M LAKSHMAN
S/O YOGI MANJAPPA
AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
MADATHAKERE CONSTITUENCY
DODDAGHATTA POST
HOSADURGA TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
13. SRI GIRI M JANAKAL
S/O J.S.MANJUNATH
AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
HIREGUNTANOOR COSTITUENCY
B.DURGA ROAD, BEEMASAMUDRA
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
14. SMT. KENCHAMMA
W/O NINGAPPA
AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
GUDDATHARANGAVANAHALLI CONSTITUENCY
- 11 -
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
VAJJANAHALLI, RAYANAHALLI POST
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT - 577 501
15. SMT. R VIJAYAMMA M JAYANNA
W/O M.JAYANNA
AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
MANIVILASPURA CONSTITUENCY
PILLAJANAHALLI, YALLADAKERE POST
HIRIYUR TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
16. SRI T RAVIKUMAR
S/O T.S.THIMMANNA
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
DODDA ULLARTHEE CONSTITUENCY
CHITRANAYAKANAHALLI, THALAK HOBLI
CHALLEKERE TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
17. SMT. SUJATHA
W/O THIPPEWAMY
AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
LAKSHMISAGARA CONSTITUENCY
LAKSHMISAGARA POST
HIREGUNTANOOR HOBLI
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
18. SMT. LAKSHMI DEVI
W/O T.D.DODDAIAH
AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
HIREHALLI CINSTITUENCY
HIREHALLI POST, CHALLAKERE TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
19. SRI G.P. JAYAPALAIAH
S/O P PALAIAH
AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
- 12 -
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
HIREHALLI CONSTITUENCY
KALUVEHALLI, TALAK HOBLI
CHELLAKERE TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
20. SMT. R.BHAGYA LAKSHMI
W/O J.THIPPESWAMY
AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
TALAKU CONSTITUENCY
KODIHALLI POST, TALAK HOBLI
CHELLAKERE TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
21. SRI P. R. SHIVAKUMAR
S/O RAMESH
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
THALYA CONSTITUENCY
SHIVAPURA POST, HOLALKERE TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
22. SMT. MARAKKA
W/O D.B.OBAIAH
AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
BOMMAKONDANAKERE CONSTITUENCY
CHIKKOBANAHALLI POST
MOLAKALMUR TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
23. SRI A ANIL KUMAR
S/O H. ANJENEYA
AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBR
DODDERI CONSTITUENCY
2ND MAIN, 3RD CROSS
RAMENAHALLI, THALYA HOBLI
HOLELAKERE TALUK
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
- 13 -
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
24. SRI D PARASURAMAPPA
S/O DASAPPA
AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
MATHOD CONSTITUENCY
KANCHIPURA POST, HOSADURGA TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
25. SMT. ANITHA BASAVARAJU
W/O H.BASAVARAJU
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER
BOKIKERE CONSTITUENCY
KAREHALLI, MATHODU HOBLI
HOSADURGA TALUK
CHITRADURGA DISTRICT
CHITRADURGA - 577 501
26. SMT. B. GEETHA
W/O BASAVARJU
AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS
ZILLA PANCHAYAT MEMBER
SRIRAMPURAM CONSTITUENCY
GAVIRANGAPURA, BOMMANAPALYA
HOSDURGA -TALUK
CHITRADURGA -DISTRICT - 577 501 ... PETITIONERS
(BY SRI A NAGARAJAPPA, ADVOCATE FOR
M/S MANJU AND MANJU ASSOCIATES)
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA
THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
& PANCHAYAT RAJ, BANGALORE
BY ITS SECRETARY
M.S.BUILDING
BANGALORE
2. THE COMMISSIONER
STATE ELECTION COMMISSION
NO.8, CUNNINGHAM ROAD
BANGALORE - 560 052
- 14 -
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
3. THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER
OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER
BANGALROE DIVISION
2ND FLOOR, BMTC BUILDING
K.H.ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR
BANGALORE - 560 027 ... RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI RAVIVERMA KUMAR, ADVOCATE GENERAL
A/W SRI D NAGARAJ, AGA FOR R1 & R3;
SRI K.N.PHANINDRA, ADVOCATE FOR R2)
WPs ARE FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 & 227 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DECLARE THAT THE
RULES IN KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ (TALUK PANCHAYATH
& ZILLA PANCHAYATH ELECTED MEMBERS DECLARATION OF
ASSETS) RULES 2010 IS ULTRAVIRES, UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND
LIABLE TO BE STRUCK DOWN AS THE SAME IS CONTRARY TO
SECTION136(A) AND 175(A) OF KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ
ACT 1993 AND 73RD AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF
INDIA.
IN W.P.NOs.50939-65/2013
BETWEEN:
1. DR. RAVI B.N
S/O D. NAGARAJAIAH
AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS
AMRUTHUR Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O AMRUTHUR, NO.MIG 20
KHB COLONY, KUNIGAL TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
2. SRI B.K.BADEERANNA
S/O KHADRAPPA
AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS
TAVAREKERE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O TAVAREKERE
BEVENAHALLI -POST
GOWDAGERE HOBLI, SIRA TALUFK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
3. SRI C.R. UMESH
S/O C.J.RAJANNA
AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS
NADOORU Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/AT "SIDDESHWAR NILAYA"
- 15 -
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
VIJAYANAGAR
TUMKUR - 572 103
4. SRI R.C.ANJANAPPA
S/O CHIKKANNA
AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS
VENKATAPURA Z.P. CONTITUENCY
R/O VENKATAPURA
RAJAVANTHI -POST
PAVAGADA - TALUK, TUMKUR - DISTRICT
5. SRI KENCHAMARAIAH H
S/O LATE HANUMANTHAPPA
AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS
MIDIGESHI Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/AT "BALARAVI", MARUTHI NAGARA
SHETTIHALLI MAIN ROAD
PARK ROAD, TUMKUR - 02
6. SRI AREHALLI RAMESH
S/O B.K.RANGANATH
AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS
CHIKKANAHALLI Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/OF AREHALLI -VILLAGE
RATHNASANDRA -POST
TUMKUR- DISTRICT
7. SRI D. UGRAIAH
S/O DASAPPA
AGED ABOUT 57 YEARS
BANASANDRA Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O SADARAHALLI GOLLARAHATTI
ALUBOOR POST
TUMKUR -TALUK
TUMKUR -DISTRICT
8. SMT. G.T.LATHA KONDDAJJI VISHWANATHA
W/O KONDDAJJI VISHWANATHA
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
MUNIYUR Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O KONDAJJI VILLAGE
TUMKUR-TALUK
TUMKUR - DISTRICT
- 16 -
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
9. SMT. MANGALA GOURAMMA
W/O LAKKANNA
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
DANDINASGUVARA Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O TOVINAKERE
DOMBRANAHALLI -POST
TUMKUR TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
10. SRI SRINIVASAIAH
S/O GANGANNA
AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS
MAYASANDRA Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O MURALIKUPPE
SEEGEHALLI POST
MAYASANDRA HOBLI
TUMKUR TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
11. SMT. PREMA MAHALINGAPPA
W/O MAHLINGAPPA
AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS
KOLALA (Z.P.CONSTITUENCY)
R/O NO.3/65, MATHRUSHREE NOLAYA
KALIDAS LAYOUT, KORATAGERE TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
12. SMT. DAKSHAYANI
W/O RAJANNA
AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS
HOLAVANAHALLI (Z.P.CONSTITUENCY)
R/O MANDARA NILAYA
NEAR TALUK PANCHAYAT OFFICE
KORATAGERE TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
13. SMT. MAMATA
W/O SHIVALINGAIAH
AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS
HAGALAVADI Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O LAKSHMINARASIMHA NILAYA
BEHIND DHANALAKSHMI BANK
4TH CROSS, VALMIKI NAGARA
TUMKUR - 02
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50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
14. SMT. T.R.GOWRAMMA
W/O LATE KENDE GOWDA
AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS
GUBBI RURAL Z.P.CONSTITUENCY
C/O VENKATESH (VENKATASHWARE TEMPLE)
R/O JAYANAGARA WEST
MATHURSHREE NILAYA, 4TH CROSS
TUMKUR - 02
15. SRI T.H. KRISHNAPPA
S/O HULLURAIAH
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
C.S.PURA Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O BHEEMASANDRA, S.S.M.C POST
TUMKUR - 02
16. SMT. N.G.MANJULA
W/O N.B.GAVIRANGAIAH
AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS
HULIYARU Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O HULIYARU
CHIKKANAYAKANAHALLI TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
17. SRI LOHITA BAI
W/O RANGASWAMY
AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS
KANDIKERE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O SINGADAHALLI
BARASIDLAHALLI (P)
CHIKKANAYAKANAHALLI (TQ)
TUMKUR (DISTRICT)
18. SMT. K.S.NALINI
W/O GOVINDAPPA G.H
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
MANGALAWADA, Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O GUJJANADU -VILLAGE
PAVAGADA - TALUK
TUMKUR - DISTRICT
19. SMT. NINGAMMA
W/O Y.K.RAMAIAH
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
HOYSALAKATTE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O YARAHALLI DODDANAHATTI VILLAGE
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50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
BARKAHALU (P)
CHIKKANAYAKANAHALLI (TQ)
TUMKUR (DISTRICT)
20. SMT. RADHA NARAYANA GOWDA
W/O NARAYANA GOWDA
AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS
NONAVINAKERE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O MAKANAHALLI
NANAVINAKERE HOBLI
TIPTUR TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
21. SRI M. NAGARAJ
S/O MARIYAPPA
AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS
HUCHHA GONDANAHALLI Z.P.CONSTITUENCY
MANIKEEKERE
KALLAKERE POST
TIPTUR TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
22. SRI A.B. JAGADEESH
S/O BORAIAH
AGED ABOUT 57 YERS
DHABBE GHATTA Z.P.CONSTITUENCY
AREMALLENAHALLI VILLAGE AND POST
TUMKUR TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
23. SRI ANAND RAVI N.R
S/O RAMAIAH
AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS
KIBBANAHALLI, Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
KODIHALLI, NONAVINAKERE HOBLI
TIPTUR TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
24. SMT. NAGAMANI
W/O M.K.NARAYANAPPA
AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS
NAGALAMADIKE, Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/O MEENUKUNTANAHALLI VILLAGE
NEELAMMANAHALLI POST, PAVAGADA (T)
TUMKUR (DISTRICT)
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50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
25. SRI H.B.PANCHAKSHARI
S/O H.B.BASAPPA
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
R/O HULIYAR
J.C.PURA POST, CHIKKANAYAKANAHALLI TALUK
TUMKUR DISTRICT
26. SMT. JAYAMMA, W/O S.T.NAGARAJU
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
Y.N.HOSAKOTE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/OF Y.N.HOSAKOTE, PAVAGADA TALUK
TUMKUR-DISTRICT
27. SRI H.S.RAVISHANKAR
S/O K.N.SHIVALINGAPPA
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
OORUKERE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY
R/OF OORUKERE
TUMKUR TALUK & DISTRICT ... PETITIONERS
(BY SRI A NAGARAJAPPA, ADVOCATE FOR
R. MANJULADEVI & SRI A RAMANJANAPPA, ADVOCATES)
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA
THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
& PANCHAYAT RAJ, BANGALORE
BY ITS SECRETARY, M.S.BUILDING
BANGALORE
2. THE COMMISSIONER
STATE ELECTION COMMISSION
NO.8, CUNNINGHAM ROAD
BANGALORE - 560 052
3. THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER
OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER
BANGALROE DIVISION, 2ND FLOOR, BMTC BUILDING
K.H.ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR
BANGALORE - 560 027 ... RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI RAVIVERMA KUMAR, ADVOCATE GENERAL
A/W SRI D NAGARAJ, AGA FOR R1 & R3;
SRI K.N.PHANINDRA, ADVOCATE FOR R2)
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W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
WPs ARE FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 & 227 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DECLARE THAT THE
RULES IN KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ (TALUK PANCHAYATH
& ZILLA PANCHAYATH ELECTED MEMBERS DECLARATION OF
ASSETS) RULES 2010 IS ULTRAVIRES, UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND
LIABLE TO BE STRUCK DOWN AS THE SAME IS CONTRARY TO
SECTION136(A) AND 175(A) OF KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ
ACT 1993 AND 73RD AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF
INDIA.
IN W.P. NOs.51324-57/2013
BETWEEN:
1. SRI ESHWARAPPA TELAGI R
S/O MARULASIDDAPPA R
AGED ABOUT 63 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
2. SMT. MEENAKSHMI BAI
W/O KRISHNA NAIK
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LIKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
3. SMT. SHARADAMMA A.K
W/O LAKSHMANA
AGED ABOUT 51 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
4. SRI K.P.PALAIAH
S/O KASTHURI PALAIAH
AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
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W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
5. SMT. NETHRAVATHI KRISHNAMURTHY
W/O KRISHNAMURTHY
AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
6. SRI MALLEKATTE CHIDANANDA IGOOR
AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS,
S/O HANUMANTHAPPA
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
7. SMT. JAYALAKSHMI
W/O MAHESH
AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
8. SMT. KAVITHA RAMAGIRI R
W/O BASAVARAJ B.K
AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
9. SMT. MANJULA SHEKARAPPA G
W/O WHEKARAPPLA
AGED ABOUT 31 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
10. SMT. LAKSHMI MANJAPPA H.B
W/O MANJAPPA H.B
AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA, DAVANAGERE
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50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
11. SRI B. KARIBASAPPA
S/O B BASAPPA
AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
12. SRI BENNEHALLI HALESH
S/O SIDDALINGAPPA
AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
13. SMT. SHARADAMMA UMESH NAIK
W/O UMESH NAIK
AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE
LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSTIE TO
DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
14. SRI K.H.GURUMURTHY
S/O HALAPAIAH
AGED ABOUT 66 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
15. SRI M.T. BASAVANA GOWDA
S/O THOTANA GOWDA
AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
16. SMT SHEELA GADDIGESH C.S
W/O H.A. GADDIGESH
AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE
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W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
17. SMT. SUDHA VEERENDRA PATIL D.M
W/O VEERENDRA PATIL
AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
18. SMT. AMBIKA RAJAPPA D.R
W/O D.G.RAJAPPA
AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
19. SMT. HANNI UMLIBAI
W/O LAKSHMANA NAIK
AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
20. SRI NAGENDRAPPA. M
S/O NAGAPPA
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
21. SMT. YASHODAMMA HALESHAPPA
S/O HALESHAPPA
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
22. SRI SHIVARAM NAIK, S/O GOPALA NAIK
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
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W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
23. SMT. PREMA LOKESHAPPA G.R
W/O LIKESHAPPA
AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
24. SRI S.M. VEERESH HANAGAVADI
S/OMALLIKARJUNAPPA
AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
25. SRI C.N.VEERABADRAPPA
S/O NAGAPPA ADAPURA
AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
26. SMT. LATHA TEJASVI PATIL
W/O TEJASVI PATIL
AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
27. SRI H. NAGARAJA
AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS
S/O KALLAPPA
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
28. SMT. USHA ASHOK S
W/O ASHOK S.S
AGED AOBUT 29 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
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W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
29. SRI K.G.VASAVALINGAPPA
S/O SHANKARAPPA
AGED ABOUT 64 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
30. SRI H. V.RUDRAPPA
S/O VEERAPPA
AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
31. SMT. PREMA SIDDESH
W/O SIDDESH
AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
32. SRI MUKUNDA T
S/O BASAPPA
AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
33. SMT. SARVATH FATHIMA
W/O MAHIBUBULLAKHAN
AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE
34. SMT. SAHANA RAVI
W/O RAVI
AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS
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W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH
DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD
OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA
DAVANAGERE ... PETITIONERS
(BY SRI VIJAYA RAGHAVA SARATHY, ADVOCATE)
AND:
1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA
REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY
RURAL DEVELOPMENT & PANCHAYAT RAJ DEPARTMENT
M.S.BUILDING
BANGALORE - 560 001
2. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION
COMMISSION
REPRESENTED BY ITS CAHIRMEN
CUNNINGHAM ROAD
BANGALORE - 560 001
3. THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER
OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER
BANGALORE DIVISION, 2ND FLOOR, BMTC BUILDING
K.H.ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR
BANGALORE - 560 027 ... RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI RAVIVERMA KUMAR, ADVOCATE GENERAL
A/W SRI D NAGARAJ, AGA FOR R1 & R3;
SRI K.N.PHANINDRA, ADVOCATE FOR R2)
WPs ARE FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 & 227 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DECLARE THAT THE
RULES IN KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ (TALUK PANCHAYATH
& ZILLA PANCHAYATH ELECTED MEMBERS DECLARATION OF
ASSETS) RULES 2010 IS ULTRAVIRES, UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND
LIABLE TO BE STRUCK DOWN AS THE SAME IS CONTRARY TO
SECTION136(A) AND 175(A) OF KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ
ACT 1993 AND 73RD AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF
INDIA.
- 27 -
W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w
W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013,
50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013
WPs COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING THIS DAY,
THE COURT MADE THE FOLLOWING:
ORDER
H.G.RAMESH, J. (Oral):
Validity of sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Declaration of Assets by Elected Members of Taluk Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats) Rules, 2010 arises for determination in these writ petitions.
In my opinion, the above sub-rule is ultra vires of sub-Section (4) of Section 175-A of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993.
2. In these writ petitions, the petitioners, who are members of Zilla Panchayats of various Districts, are challenging the validity of sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Declaration of Assets by Elected Members of Taluk Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats) Rules, 2010 ('the Rules' for short) on the ground that it is contrary to sub-Section (4) of Section 175-A of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 ('the Act' for short) and hence is ultra vires the Act. The petitioners have also challenged the communication dated 30.10.2013 of the Regional
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W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013 Commissioner, Bangalore Division, Bangalore, wherein he has referred the matter to the State Election Commission for adjudication as per sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules by stating that the petitioners have ceased to be members of the respective Zilla Panchayats either for not declaring their Assets or for not filing their declaration of Assets within the prescribed period.
3. I have heard the learned Advocate General and the learned counsel appearing for the parties and perused the impugned communication dated 30.10.2013.
4. Sri D.N.Nanjunda Reddy, learned Senior Counsel appearing for some of the petitioners submitted that sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules whereunder the Regional Commissioner has exercised the power to refer the matter for adjudication to the State Election Commission is ultra vires of sub-section (4) of Section 175-A of the Act and hence, the reference made under the impugned communication dated 30.10.2013 is unsustainable in law.
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W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013 4.1 Sri Raviverma Kumar, learned Advocate General appearing for the State fairly and rightly conceded that sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules is ultra vires of sub-section (4) of Section 175-A of the Act.
5. It is relevant to refer to Section 175-A of the Act, which reads as follows:
175-A. Members to declare assets.-
(1) Every member shall within three months from the date of commencement of his term of office and until the expiry of his term in every calendar year file a declaration of assets owned by him and any member of his family, in such manner and in such form as may be prescribed, before the State Election Commission or Competent Authority as may be notified by the Government.
(2) Where a member, after filing a declaration under sub-section (1), acquires or disposes any asset, he shall file further declaration to this effect before the State Election Commission or the Competent Authority, within three months from the date of such acquisition or disposal, as the case may be.
(3) Any member, who fails to file declaration under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) or files the same knowing it to be false or incorrect shall cease to be a member.
(4) Any question whether a member has ceased to be a member under sub-section (3), shall, on a reference made by the Zilla Panchayat, to the State Election Commission be decided by it and the decision of the State election Commission thereon shall be final.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this section 'family' means the spouse and dependent children of the member."
(Underlining supplied)
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6. It is also relevant to refer to the Rules, which read as follows:
PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ 1993 (1993gÀ PÀ£ÁðlPÀ C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ ¸ÀASÉå 14) gÀ 311£Éà ¥ÀæPÀgÀtzÀ ªÀÄÆ®PÀ ¥ÀæzÀvÀÛªÁzÀ C¢üPÁgÀªÀ£ÀÄß ZÀ¯Á¬Ä¹, ¸ÀPÁðgÀªÀÅ F PɼÀPÀAqÀAvÉ ¤AiÀĪÀÄUÀ¼À£ÀÄß gÀa¹gÀÄvÀÛzÉ.
¤AiÀĪÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ
1. ºÉ¸ÀgÀÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÁægÀA¨sÀ: (1) F ¤AiÀĪÀÄUÀ¼À£ÀÄß PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï (vÁ®ÆèPÀÄ ¥ÀAZÁ¬Äw ªÀÄvÀÄÛ f¯Áè ¥ÀAZÁ¬ÄwUÀ¼À ZÀÄ£Á¬ÄvÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀ D¹Û WÉÆõÀuÉ) ¤AiÀĪÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ, 2010 JAzÀÄ PÀgÉAiÀÄvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ. (2) EzÀÄ gÁdå ¥ÀvÀæzÀ°è ¥ÀæPÀlªÁzÀ ¢£ÁAPÀ¢AzÀ eÁjUÉ §gÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.
2. vÁ®ÆèPÀÄ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄw ªÀÄvÀÄÛ f¯Áè ¥ÀAZÁ¬ÄvÀÄUÀ¼À ZÀÄ£Á¬ÄvÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄUÀ¼À D¹Û WÉÆõÀuÉAiÀÄ jÃw ºÁUÀÆ £ÀªÀÄÆ£É:- PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ 1993gÀ ¥ÀæPÀgÀt 136(J) C£ÀéAiÀÄ vÁ®ÆèPÀÄ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÀæPÀgÀt 175(J) C£ÀéAiÀÄ f¯Áè ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄ ¸ÀA§AzsÀ¥ÀlÖ ¥ÁæzÉòPÀ DAiÀÄÄPÀÛjUÉ vÀªÀÄä ¥ÀzÀzsÁgÀt ªÀiÁrzÀ ¢£ÁAPÀ¢AzÀ ªÀÄÆgÀÄ wAUÀ¼ÉƼÀUÉ ºÁUÀÆ vÀªÀÄä CªÀ¢ü ¥ÀÆtðªÁUÀĪÀªÀgÉUÉ ¥Àæw PÁå¯ÉAqÀgï ªÀµÀðzÀ ªÉÆzÀ® MAzÀÄ wAUÀ¼ÉƼÀUÁV vÀªÀÄä ºÁUÀÆ vÀªÀÄä PÀÄlÄA§zÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ ºÉÆA¢gÀĪÀ D¹ÛUÀ¼À WÉÆõÀuÉAiÀÄ£ÀÄß F ¤AiÀĪÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ ®UÀwÛ¹zÀ £ÀªÀÄÆ£É (1) gÀ°è ¸À°è¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.
3. C¢üPÁgÁªÀ¢Aü iÀÄ°è Cfð¹zÀ D¹Û CxÀªÁ «¯ÉAiÀÄ §UÉÎ WÉÆõÀuÉ: M§â ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄ 2£Éà ¤AiÀĪÀÄzÀ CrAiÀÄ°è MAzÀÄ WÉÆõÀuÉAiÀÄ£ÀÄß ¸À°è¹zÀ vÀgÀĪÁAiÀÄ, AiÀiÁªÀÅzÉà D¹ÛAiÀÄ£ÀÄß Cfð¹zÀ°è CxÀªÁ «¯É ªÀiÁrzÀ°è, CAvÀºÀ Cdð£É CxÀªÁ ¸ÀAzsÀ¨sÁð£ÀĸÁgÀ «¯ÉAiÀÄ ¢£ÁAPÀ¢AzÀ ªÀÄÆgÀÄ wAUÀ¼ÀÄUÀ¼ÉƼÀUÉ ¸ÀA§AzsÀ¥ÀlÖ ¥ÁæzÉòPÀ DAiÀÄÄPÀÛggÀÀ ªÀÄÄAzÉ CªÀ£ÀÄ D §UÉÎ ªÀÄvÉÆÛAzÀÄ D¹ÛAiÀÄ WÉÆõÀuÉAiÀÄ£ÀÄß F ¤AiÀĪÀÄUÀ¼À £ÀªÀÄÆ£É-1 gÀ°è ¸À°è¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.
4. D¹Û «ªÀgÀ ¸À°è¸ÀzÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀ §UÉÎ PÀæªÀÄ: (1) vÁ®ÆèPÀÄ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄw/f¯Áè ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄwUÀ¼À ZÀÄ£Á¬ÄvÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ vÀªÀÄä ºÁUÀÆ vÀªÀÄä PÀÄlÄA§zÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄUÀ¼À D¹Û «ªÀgÀUÀ¼À£ÀÄß ¤AiÀĪÀÄ 2 ªÀÄvÀÄÛ 3 gÀrAiÀÄ°è ¸À°è¸À¢zÀÝ°è, CxÀªÁ CzÀÄ ¤dªÁzÀÄzÀ®èªÉAzÀÄ CxÀªÁ ¸ÀjAiÀiÁzÀÄzÀ®èªÉAzÀÄ w½¢zÀÆÝ, CzÀ£ÀÄß ¸À°è¹zÀÝgÉ, CAvÀºÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸Àå£À ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀåvÀéªÀÅ ¤AvÀÄ ºÉÆÃUÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.
(2) 4£Éà ¤AiÀĪÀÄzÀ (1)£Éà G¥À ¤AiÀĪÀÄzÀ£ÀéAiÀÄ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀåvÀé ¤AvÀÄ ºÉÆÃzÀ §UÉÎ «ªÀgÀUÀ¼À£ÀÄß ¥ÁæzÉòPÀ DAiÀÄÄPÀÛgÀÄ MAzÀÄ wAUÀ¼ÉƼÀUÉ gÁdå ZÀÄ£ÁªÀuÁ DAiÉÆÃUÀPÉÌ w½¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ CzÀgÀ ¥ÀæwAiÀÄ£ÀÄß ¸ÀA§AzsÀ¥ÀlÖ
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W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013 ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀåjUÉ eÁjUÉƽ¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ. DzÀgÉ gÁdå ZÀÄ£ÁªÀuÁ DAiÉÆÃUÀªÀÅ F §UÉÎ wêÀiÁð¤¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.
(Underlining supplied) The above rules came into force from the date of their publication in the State Gazette i.e. February 7, 2012.
7. In my opinion, as could be seen from Section 175-A of the Act extracted above, sub-section (4) confers power only on the Zilla Panchayat to refer the matter relating to contravention of Section 175-A of the Act by members of the Zilla Panchayat for adjudication to the State Election Commission and not on the Competent Authority (under the Rules, the Competent Authority is the Jurisdictional Regional Commissioner). In other words, the power to refer is conferred only on the Zilla Panchayat and not on the Competent Authority. In view of this, sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules conferring power on the Regional Commissioner to refer the matter to the State Election Commission for adjudication is clearly violative of sub-Section (4) of Section 175-A of the Act and hence is ultra vires the Act. Accordingly, sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules is declared as ultra vires the Act. Consequently, the impugned
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W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013 communication dated 30.10.2013 bearing No.ZÀÄ£ÁªÀuÉ/«ªÀ/4/2013-14 of the Regional Commissioner, Bangalore Division, Bangalore, is unsustainable in law and is accordingly set aside.
8. However, the Regional Commissioner shall communicate to the concerned Zilla Panchayat, the contravention of Section 175-A of the Act by its members. On such communication, the Zilla Panchayat shall refer the matter to the State Election Commission as per sub-Section (4) of Section 175-A of the Act. The State Election Commission shall thereafter adjudicate the matter in accordance with law.
Petitions allowed.
Sd/-
JUDGE hkh.